Can't by Edgar A. Guest

_Can't_ is the worst word that's written or spoken; Doing more harm here than slander and lies;On it is many a strong spirit broken, And with it many a good purpose dies.It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning And robs us of courage we need through the day:It rings in our ears like a timely-sent warning And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.

_Can't_ is the father of feeble endeavor, The parent of terror and half-hearted work;It weakens the efforts of artisans clever, And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk.It poisons the soul of the man with a vision, It stifles in infancy many a plan;It greets honest toiling with open derision And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.

_Can't_ is a word none should speak without blushing; To utter it should be a symbol of shame;Ambition and courage it daily is crushing; It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim.Despise it with all of your hatred of error; Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain;Arm against it as a creature of terror, And all that you dream of you some day shall gain.

_Can't_ is the word that is foe to ambition, An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;Its prey is forever the man with a mission And bows but to courage and patience and skill.Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying, For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man;Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying And answer this demon by saying: "I _can_."